2005 and 2006 Changes to the Chrysler - Dodge Minivan Family

New: intensive review!

New: 2008 Caravan/Town & Country upcoming changes!

Engine choices for 2005-2007 remained the same as in 2004 models, except for export models - but they have gained a surprisingly strong power boost. The 3.3 went to 180 horsepower with 210 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.8 went to 215 horsepower - with 245 lb-ft of torque (this was modified to 207 horsepower in 2006 and 200 horsepower in 2007). Gas mileage has also increased - 19/26 for the 3.3, 18/25 for the 3.8 (in 2008-equivalent numbers this is 17/24 and 16/23). This brought the Chrysler minivans back up to the top of the engine pile for a year or two.

Export versions got a new diesel engine, now with an optional automatic. The new 2.8 CRD engine delivered 110 Kw (150 bhp) of power at 3,800 rpm and best-in-class torque figures of 360 Nm (266 lb.-ft.) at a low 2,100 rpm.  The new 2.8-liter engine returned less than 9 liters per 100 km, meeting or beating its lower displacement competitors. Chrysler engineers paid particular attention to "launchability," the rapid take off from standstill.  The accelerator pedal also features a kickdown detent that allows the driver to actively control the downshift of the transmission and the vehicle's acceleration at higher speed (a feature known to TorqueFlite users).

For 2007, there were few changes, but the notable one is probably due to a change in measurement systems (from a new SAE standardization that affected all automakers). The 3.3 engine dropped down to 170 hp, and the 3.8L dropped to 200 hp.

2006 Grand Caravan C/V and the Mobility Challenged (by ScottB)

The Grand Caravan C/V is being sold again, with a solid flat floor since they have no rear seats to begin with; it may be better suited to wheelchair conversions than passenger models. The problem is the conversion companies have to go several steps further a la custom conversion vans to make these suitable for passengers, adding more windows, and possible some passenger safety equipment that may have been deleted on the cargo version. It only comes in three colors, silver, midnight blue and white, and the 3.3 V6 is the only engine choice. You can select the power right side sliding door with glass. There is also a full-size spare option which is a clear indication that the Stow-n-Go underfloor bins don't exist on this model. Base price is only $20,000. Dodge still has an answer for the mobility challenged.

The Plymouth Voyager's final incarnation as the Chrysler Voyager was finally put to death - at least, in the United States. But the Dodge Caravan and Grand Caravan and the Chrysler Town & Country remain, built alongside the Chrysler Pacifica (and apparently atop the same chassis), while the Chrysler Voyager is still sold overseas.

Intensive 2005-2007 Chrysler minivan review with more photos

Key features of the 2005 vans include rapid stowing of second and third row seats into the floor with one-handed operation (available on long-wheelbase vans) that does not require headrests to be removed or cupholders to be folded in; spacious storage bins with integrated lids in the back rows; cargo nets integrated into the storage bins; new high density cushions; for-aft adjusters and reclining seat backs for second row seats; single-pull easy access to the rearmost seats; split-bench rearmost seats; and reclining third-row seats.

Safety has been advanced with three-row side curtain airbags covering all seats, driver-side inflatable knee-blocker, multistage front airbags, automatic deactivation of the passenger side airbag depending on the occupant's weight, LATCH system car seat anchors in both rear rows, rear obstacle detection system, and signal lights to show when the sliding doors are being used.

Other options include a moveable / removable overhead rail system with storage bins, DVD screen, and rear temperature controls; UConnect; and navigation system.

For 2006, the second-row storage bin covers were given a tri-fold access panel that allows easier access to the covered storage bins and doesn't require moving the front driver or passenger seat forward.

The down-side of these and prior minis was the cost-cutting binge, which insiders tell us was caused by a team of youngsters who are no longer given power to do such things. Many have complained about the loss of windshield-wiper de-icers and backlighting for the headlight switch panel and door switches.

Noise and vibration reduction

State-of-the-art technology is used to ensure quietness in all seating positions for 2005 Chrysler and Dodge minivans. By combining computer simulation techniques with vehicle testing in Chrysler's state-of-the-art Auburn Hills wind tunnel and on environmental four-post shakers, Chrysler Group engineers were able to create the quietest minivans in the marketplace. Some changes for 2005 models include:

• Robotically applied liquid spray dampener technology to prevent noise from entering the passenger compartment. The damping treatment is applied to the floor, toe-pan, cowl, and roof panel.
• Expandable polyurethane foam is injected into cavities at the base of the cowl plenum, liftgate opening, and center and rear door pillars to cut noise.
• The new underbody structure is designed for high bending and torsional stiffness, which helps isolate suspension vibration and chatter from passenger compartment.
• A fluid-filled hydro engine mount significantly reduces engine vibration into the front rails to help isolate engine vibration.
• Suspension control arms utilize tuned hydro bushings to further reduce suspension vibration.
• Second-row foam seating technology is tuned to dampen vibration to the occupants.
• Engineering and manufacturing's precision of the folding seats and covers ensure that seats remain free of squeaks and rattles.
• Wind noise was reduced by incorporating triple door seals, molded gaskets, aerodynamically configured roof rack cross bows, and a spiraled antenna.
• New minivans built for the international markets with the diesel engine feature silencers in the engine and passenger compartment. The engine compartment consists of a thick underhood silencer, a decorative cover over the engine includes a liner of acoustic material, an acoustic belly pan that virtually covers the entire engine compartment, plenum treatments, and fender silencers. The passenger compartment includes instrument panel silencers, an upgrade to the toe-pan dampers, and A-pillar silencer.
• These initiatives make the 2005 Chrysler and Dodge minivans more than 16 percent quieter.

Stow and Go details

Chrysler conducted a survey to gauge response to Stow 'n Go. Participants had the opportunity to compare Stow 'n Go against every competitor in the market. Overall, Stow 'n Go scored six times higher than seating systems in Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna. In the category of flexibility, Stow 'n Go scored eight times higher than Honda Odyssey and four and one-half times higher than Toyota Sienna. And in the category of purchase consideration, Stow 'n Go scored 50 percent higher than Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna.

 

Safety

• An Advanced Multistage Air Bag System provides enhanced protection for a greater range of occupants at various levels based on the severity of a crash
• Anti-lock Braking System is equipped with electronic sensors that prevent wheel lockup, system offers improved steering control under extreme braking and/or slippery conditions
• BeltAlert, a seat belt reminder system: if a vehicle is driven without the driver being properly belted, the system will periodically activate a chime and illuminate a light in the instrument cluster in order to remind the driver to buckle up
• Child Seat Anchor System: Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children(LATCH) eases installation of compatible aftermarket child seats
• Constant Force Retractors (CFR): CFRs are engineered to force-limit the belt system and gradually release seat belt webbing in a controlled manner during a severe impact
• Enhanced Accident Response System: In the event of an accident, this system makes it easier for emergency personnel to see and reach the occupants by turning on the interior lighting and unlocking the doors after air bag deployment
• Energy-Absorbing Steering Column: The innovative stroking steering column uses release capsules, which allow the column to move forward for enhanced energy absorption during a crash. The column also features tuned metal bend straps which deform during column stroke for optimal energy management
• Front Crush Sensors: Two sensors, located forward in the vehicle, measure the severity of the impact and relay crash information to safety control systems in the occupant compartment for optimal deployment of the driver and passenger air bags, driver inflatable knee blocker, and seat belt pretensioners
• Minivan-First Inflatable Knee Blocker: Knee blocker inflates in conjunction with air bag deployment. This feature increases leg protection in an impact and helps to position the driver relative
  to the air bag
• Minivan-First Standard Door Alert: Signal lights activate when power sliding doors are in operation, signaling pedestrian activity.
• Occupant Classification System (OCS): The OCS measures conditions for activation or deactivation of the passenger-side air bag, based upon the weight of the occupant
• Pretensioners: During a collision, the front seat belt pretensioners electronically sense a crash and immediately remove slack from the seat belts, thereby reducing the forward movement of the occupant’s upper body
• Steering Column Intermediate Shaft Decoupler: A joint integrated into the steering system releases during a severe impact event. Limits the amount of force applied to the chest during an impact
• Three-row Supplemental Side Curtain Air Bags: Three-row, A to D pillar side curtain air bags provide full-length coverage for all three rows of seats. The side curtain extends protection to all outboard passengers. Both side curtain air bags have impact sensors which trigger the air bag on the side where impact occurs
• Rear Park Assist: Rear obstacle detection system with audible warning and rear overhead display
• A first aid kit can be purchased for the overhead rail system.
• Mopar also sells side mirrors with integrated turn signals.

2007 Dodge Grand Caravan minivan changes

No changes to Dodge Caravan or Chrysler Town & Country for 2007, their last year before redesigned models appear (or so we've been told).

• Manual driver adjustable lumbar — Now standard on Grand Caravan SXT
• Power sliding side doors with Obstacle Detection System - Standard on Grand Caravan SXT
• Power Liftgate - Optional on Grand Caravan SXT (included with Premium Group and Leather Interior Group) with Obstacle Detection System
• Driver-side inflatable knee blocker - Standard on all models
• Sliding Door Alert System
• 3.3L flexible fuel V6 (E85 compatible); 45 States - Optional on Grand Caravan SE
  ( 180 hp @ 5,000 rpm, 210 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm on gasoline)
• Low-speed traction control - Standard Grand Caravan SXT
• UConnect® Hands-Free Communication System - Optional on all models
• ParkSense® Rear Park Assist System - Included with Premium Group on Grand Caravan SXT
• Navigation System - Optional on Grand Caravan SXT (model RB1)
• Overhead rail system with three movable/removable storage bins — Included with Rear Seat Video™ System and Premium Group on Grand Caravan SXT
• Advanced technology such as Rear Seat Video™ System — Optional on Grand Caravan SXT
• New colors: Marine Blue Pearl and Modern Blue Pearl

Cosmetic changes

Interior of 2005 Chrysler Town & Country

• Elegant appearance achieved with all-new Sycamore wood designed into the center stack bezel and complemented with satin silver accents
• Beautiful wood and satin silver appearance continues on the door bolsters and throughout entire cabin
• Chromed Chrysler badging with jeweled Chrysler seal integrated into steering wheel horn pad. Touring model features satin silver appearance on the center stack bezel.